Meghalaya

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has announced that the complete withdrawal of the southwest monsoon from Meghalaya is expected by October 14, marking the end of one of the most deficient monsoon seasons in the state in recent years. According to IMD data, Meghalaya recorded the “highest rainfall deficit in the country” this year, with rainfall around 56 per cent below normal levels. Between June 1 and July 28, the state received only 690.7 mm of rain against the normal 1,555.4 mm. For the entire June–September period, Meghalaya registered a rainfall deficit of about 45 per cent, receiving 1,328.5 mm compared to the normal 2,401.4 mm. Meteorologists attributed the anomaly to shifting monsoon dynamics and weakening moisture inflow, which have raised serious concerns over agricu...

A major tragedy was averted in Meghalaya’s Ri-Bhoi district on Saturday evening after police safely defused an improvised explosive device (IED) found at Umsning market. The timely response of the bomb disposal squad prevented what could have been a devastating explosion in the busy commercial area. According to Ri-Bhoi Superintendent of Police Vivekanand Singh, a suspicious bag was discovered in a compound near the Meghalaya Rural Bank around dusk on October 11. “Upon examination, it was confirmed that the bag contained explosives,” Singh said, adding that the area was immediately cordoned off and the public evacuated to ensure safety. A Bomb Detection and Disposal Squad (BDDS), assisted by a K-9 unit, was swiftly deployed to the scene.  The explosive device was safely neutralise...

An improvised explosive device (IED) was found at Umsning market in Meghalaya's Ri-Bhoi district and was safely defused, police said on Sunday. An abandoned bag containing suspected explosives was detected in a compound located in front of Meghalaya Rural Bank in the market on Saturday evening, Superintendent of Police Vivekanand Singh said. A bomb detection and disposal squad (BDDS) and a K-9 team were requisitioned and, upon examination, they confirmed the presence of explosives. A bomb detection and disposal squad (BDDS), along with a K-9 team, were immediately deployed to the site. The IED was successfully neutralised without any damage or casualties. “On analysis, it was found that the IED was made using 4.7 kg of gelatine, 10 detonators, and around 50 iron rod pieces as splinters...

The Meghalaya government has begun identifying alternative locations for the proposed relocation of 342 families currently residing in the Harijan Colony at Them lew Mawlong, Deputy Chief Minister and Urban Affairs Minister Sniawbhalang Dhar confirmed on Friday. Dhar, while interacting with the press, explained that discussions are progressing before any final decision is made. He remarked that the process is ongoing and that details will be shared once the government reaches a conclusion. Talks with the Defence Ministry, he added, have not yet concluded. "We are still in talks with them," Dhar informed, pointing out that the matter remains under discussion at multiple levels. He also acknowledged that the relocation issue is still before the court but stressed that the state machinery...

VThe Meghalaya State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (MSCPCR) has expressed deep anguish over the recent deaths of two missing children in separate incidents that have shocked the state. A seven-year-old boy from Nongrah in East Khasi Hills and a thirteen-year-old from Khyndewso in Ri Bhoi district were both reported missing before their bodies were tragically recovered, sparking grief and outrage across Meghalaya. MSCPCR Chairperson Agatha K. Sangma extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families, stating that the Commission “stands in solidarity with them during this time of profound grief and loss.” Sangma described the rising number of missing child cases in Meghalaya as “a disturbing trend” that warrants immediate and coordinated government intervention. The C...

Roads in Lapangap village in Meghalaya wore a deserted look as people remained indoors amid heavy rain, while police personnel are camping there on Friday, a day after a clash between its residents and the villagers of Assam's Karbi Anglong district left one person dead. The village headman of Lapangap in West Jaintia Hills district claimed that they were not responsible for the death of the Karbi community man, since they had run back home after being attacked. A senior district official told reporters that additional personnel have been sent to prevent further violence in the area where tension prevailed on either side of the border for the past one week over harvesting of paddy, with both sides claiming that the land was theirs. Authorities have increased security in the area. Aroun...

In a swift and commendable investigation, Ri Bhoi Police have arrested a 22-year-old man accused of murdering a 13 year old girl from Ri Bhoi District, whose body was recovered on October 9 in a suspected case of rape and murder. The accused, identified as lainehskhem Kharsati (22), son of late Rinosha Kharsati of Kalapangti village under Umiam Police Station, was taken into custody following an intensive manhunt launched soon after the crime came to light. Police sources confirmed that Kharsati has confessed to killing the child, and legal formalities are currently being completed. The victim, a school-going minor, had gone missing on the morning of October 9 and was later found dead in a nearby jungle the same evening. Following the discovery, a forensic team along with police office...

A day after a person was killed in a clash between two groups near the Assam-Meghalaya border, NPP supremo and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma on Friday urged people not to resort to violence and called for peace in the interstate border areas. Sangma, who is in Imphal for a two-day visit to Manipur, termed the incident as "unfortunate", and said the root cause of the problem is the "differences in terms of the border between Assam and Meghalaya". One person was killed and several others reportedly injured on Thursday following a clash between two groups over paddy harvesting in Assam’s West Karbi Anglong district along the border with Meghalaya. According to Assam Police, residents from Meghalaya allegedly began harvesting crops in an area claimed by both states, prompting oppos...

In a solemn and dignified ceremony held at Raj Bhavan, Shillong, Meghalaya Governor CH Vijayashankar was conferred with the prestigious Kaveri Prashasti Award in recognition of his exceptional contribution to public service and leadership. The award was presented by Dr. Sri Sri Trinetra Mahanta Shivayogi Swamiji, head of the Sri Durdandeshwara Mahanta Shivayogi Math, Mandya district, and Sri DMS Chandravana Ashrama, Srirangapatna, Karnataka. The ceremony, marked by warmth and reverence, was attended by prominent dignitaries, including Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong, Cabinet Minister Marcuise N. Marak, and Chief Secretary Dr. Shakil P. Ahammed, along with senior government officials and distinguished guests. The Kaveri Prashasti Award is a symbol...

A 13-year-old girl was found brutally murdered on Wednesday evening in Kalapangti village under Khyndewso area, falling within the jurisdiction of Mawlasnai Police Outpost in Ri-Bhoi district. According to reports, the minor had not returned home after school. When she failed to arrive by around 7 pm, her family members alerted the village authorities, prompting an immediate search. Tragically, within a short span of time, searchers discovered her body in a nearby forest. The victim was found lying in a pool of blood, with bleeding from the nose and a notebook still in her hand. Sources further revealed that an injury mark was found on her head, indicating that she may have been struck with a hard object. Police suspect foul play and believe the girl was murdered by unknown assailan...